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EAST HARTFORD — Voters will decide on Nov. 8 if they want to authorize the town to borrow $15 million for the planning, design, and construction of town roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and other infrastructure.

The Town Council this month voted to send the bonding proposal to a referendum.

East Hartford’s Road Improvement Program was initiated in 2003.

A study conducted by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. in 2002 showed that the roadway network was in fair condition and that a significant portion was headed in the wrong direction.

This prompted the town to kick off a multiyear road improvement program.

The town renewed the plan in 2019 with a goal of rehabilitating 10 miles of the 150 miles of town-owned roads per year.

This year, around 11.5 miles of road have been paved over and almost 20 miles of road received crack-seal treatment.

The town expects to rehabilitate around 10 miles of road on 47 streets in 2023.

Council Chairman Richard Kehoe said the funds not only support the Road Improvement Plan, but also will enhance the town from an economic standpoint.

“Having a solid infrastructure really makes a difference for businesses when they’re looking to relocate here,” Kehoe added.

The Town Council also has voted to send $3 million in bonds to referendum for new fire trucks and rescue equipment.

“This is critical expenditure for our fire department,” Kehoe said. He added that the current fire trucks that need to be replaced are “in tough shape and very old.”

The money would be used for a new tower ladder truck, pump truck, self-contained breathing apparatus and rope rescue, and other equipment.

Collin covers South Windsor and East Hartford for the Journal Inquirer.

Collin covers South Windsor and East Hartford for the Journal Inquirer.

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[angry]Question? Why are we paying so much each year in taxes for our vehicles and not one street has been repaired?

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